Move Your Career to the Cloud with the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certification

Last week Microsoft Learning announced that it has reinvented its certification program to directly address technology’s evolution to the cloud.

With the rapid growth of jobs in the cloud computing industry, there are not enough qualified workers to fill positions due to lack of knowledge or skill in this specialized area.

Microsoft new cloud certifications will help bridge the IT skills gap for a number of students and partners as new jobs are created and will help build cloud-related skills validation, whether on premise or in the cloud. Under this new product strategy, certifications will align to key technology solutions designed to better support organizations in increasing adoption and deployment efficiencies, enabling individuals to design, optimize, and operate mission-critical IT technologies.

Microsoft learning are also making extensive changes to the MCSD developer certification to create an attractive way for HTML5 web developers to demonstrate their skills, whether they’re building for Windows 8, Windows Azure or Office 365.

Check out the Channel 9 video that covers all the new exams in more detail.

Here are some more detail about the changes

Microsoft has reinvented its certification program by building cloud related skills validation into the industry’s most recognized and respected certification program in the world. Microsoft Certifications now validate a broader and deeper set of skills and experience across a technology solution platform.

The Expert level is Microsoft’s flagship product for those who want to lead their company’s journey to the cloud. It is the destination for established IT Professionals and Developers who have expertise working with Microsoft technology solutions.

The Associate level is the prerequisite certification necessary to get your Expert level certification.

After people have achieved their Expert level certification, The Master level is for the select few who wish to further differentiate themselves from their peers.

Microsoft has reinvented its certification program by building a broader and deeper set of technology solutions skills validation, starting with cloud-enabled solution skills. As one of the most recognized and respected certification programs, Microsoft is charting the path for IT Professionals and Developers to keep their skills relevant as new technology solutions are released.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) emphasizes solutions

Microsoft has reinvented its certifications to validate the skill sets needed to develop, deploy, and maintain Microsoft technology solutions. These certifications recognize IT Pros and Developers who have skill sets that run both broad and deep. Certifications are available at three skill levels:

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

The Associate level is the prerequisite certification necessary to get your Expert level certification. This certification validates the core skills you need to get your 1st job in IT.

The Expert level is Microsoft’s flagship set of certifications validating that your skills are relevant in the constantly changing tech environment. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is the destination for established IT Professionals who have expertise working with Microsoft technology solutions. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is the destination for established Developers who have expertise developing solutions with Microsoft tools.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)

After you have achieved your Expert level certification, Master is the next destination. This certification is for the select few who wish to further differentiate themselves from their peers and achieve the highest level of skills validation.

The Cloud Changes Everything

“With the demand for cloud skills growing quickly, the gap between hiring demand and talent supply across the United States is getting larger and causing more difficulties in sourcing candidates.” Wanted Analytics, Hiring Demand for Cloud Computing Skills Skyrocketing, March 2012

The need for cloud computing skills has been pushing the market for months. Solution providers are seeking cloud-ready employees to bring their businesses to the next level. The cloud computing market is evolving at such a pace that while the number of job postings is skyrocketing, the talent isn't there to fill the positions.

In the past 20 years, Microsoft Certifications have been THE tool to address the skills gap. To be relevant, certifications need to continue to be the tool needed and recognized in the market.

That’s why Microsoft has reinvented its certification program—to certify a deeper set of skills that are mapped to the Cloud and to real-world business contexts. Rather than testing only on a component of a technology, IT Professionals and Developers are now tested on more advanced skills and a deeper understanding of the technology.